Florida preempts local STR licensing under FS 509.032(7). Seminole cannot require permits beyond state DBPR vacation rental licensing, but must register operators where allowed and may enforce zoning rules consistent with state law.
Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts municipalities from prohibiting vacation rentals or regulating their duration or frequency. Seminole therefore cannot impose its own STR permit scheme on top of the state DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) vacation rental license. Operators must hold a DBPR vacation rental dwelling license, register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales/transient tax, and obtain a Pinellas County tourist development tax account. Seminole may enforce non-discriminatory zoning, building, noise, and parking codes that apply to all residential property. Local registration ordinances enacted before June 1, 2011 may be grandfathered.
Operating without a state DBPR vacation rental license can result in fines up to $1,000 per offense and license suspension by the state.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle permit requirements.
See how Seminole's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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